Dispersed camping near Alplaus, New York offers primitive experiences in several state forests across varied terrain of the eastern Adirondack foothills. Winter camping options remain accessible at several locations with proper preparation, though parking areas may be limited by seasonal snowfall. Most campsites sit at elevations between 600-1,200 feet, with terrain consisting primarily of hardwood forests interspersed with small waterways.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail, the parking area sits directly on the Mohawk River providing excellent access. "It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing (with a valid license)," notes Mona M. The lock area includes amenities not common at other dispersed sites in the region.
Cycling access: Ushers Road State Forest offers access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. One camper reported: "This trailhead provides access to bicycle-friendly nature trails. I explored both directions on my bike, riding approximately half a mile down each side. The terrain eventually transitions into a low-lying, swampy area, likely due to recent rainfall."
Kayaking and swimming: The large Somerset Reservoir near Somerset Airfield provides water recreation options. A camper observed: "Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and reservoir - saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping." Access requires driving on forest roads that remain passable for most vehicles.
What campers like
Waterside camping: Betty Brook Camp receives positive reviews for its stream access. A local camper notes: "Remote. Sometimes you never see anyone. Sometimes you see some people. You camp on the stream. There is a couple of spots." The area provides multiple sites along the water.
Winter camping options: Burnt Rossman State Forest - Westkill Camp remains accessible during colder months. A winter camper shared: "Was a great location for winter camping. Site easily accessible from road. Beautiful, peaceful, great time!" The site's proximity to the road makes it practical for cold-weather access.
Privacy levels: NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot offers multiple sites with varying degrees of seclusion. A visitor reported: "Peaceful and quiet dispersed camping spot. Large enough for 2-3 vehicles or one large rig/RV. Very few vehicles pass, some days none. Two fire rings set up: a large one and a small cooking one."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring can bring challenging conditions to many dispersed sites. At Somerset Airfield, one camper noted: "Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere." Many forest roads become difficult to navigate during wet periods.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. At Duck Pond Campsite, a visitor warned: "Intermittent cell service which was frightening while driving on these rough roads." Prepare by downloading offline maps before traveling.
Site availability patterns: Weekdays typically offer better options than weekends. "Went on a Wednesday night late October and had to drive about 4 miles down the dirt road to find a suitable spot. After what was very quiet and a peaceful place to be," reported one camper at NFR 273.
Bug activity: Insects can be problematic in densely wooded areas. One visitor to NFR 273 Dispersed Camping Spot mentioned: "A LOT of bugs due to dense wooded surroundings. The bugs seems to be unbothered by the bug spray as well."
Tips for camping with families
Water feature selection: For family camping, consider sites with water features. At Somerset Airfield, "There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service." The nearby reservoir provides swimming and paddling options that appeal to children.
Road condition awareness: Family vehicles may struggle on rougher forest roads. One visitor to Duck Pond Campsite cautioned: "The road in on old cemetery rd was pretty rough, so we decided to go out the other way, which was way worse." Consider vehicle capabilities when selecting sites.
Holiday timing considerations: Busy holiday periods can change the camping experience. At George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed, a visitor noted: "Different size sites, att cell reception. Mostly clean short drive to pond and stores." Another camper mentioned: "A neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest."
Tips from RVers
RV site accessibility: Many primitive sites have limited space for larger vehicles. For Somerset Airfield, one camper suggested: "This really is just a grass strip next to FR71 with a bunch of sites and a pit house. It is probably good for people who camp with RVs or Trailers that can't get into smaller sites."
Parking considerations: Fort Plain Lock 15 provides RV-friendly parking. "The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River," notes one visitor. Prepare for potential noise: "It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving."
Ground conditions: After rain, many sites become problematic for RVs. One George D Aiken visitor mentioned: "It had rained a lot prior to our arrival, and several sites were damp. We found a perfect site off the road on the right side. It was large and flat."
